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Report: Arsenal summer signing snubbed Everton for Champions League football

6th September, 2016, 11:18 AM

By Amir Mir

Lucas Perez rejected the chance to join Everton before signing for Arsenal, according to a report.

International Business Times claim that Perez snubbed a move to Everton, Hull City, Villarreal and Sevilla before penning a four-year contract with Arsene Wenger’s side.

The 27-year-old was purchased for a fee of £17.1 million in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, as it was revealed Wenger had initially tried to sign the striker in January.

It is said the Gunners approached the Spaniard last season after he made a flying start to the 2015/16 La Liga season, scoring 12 goals in his first 16 games for then-club Deportivo.

The north London club had to put the move on hold as the striker had already played for two clubs that season. FIFA regulations state: “Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.”

Despite this, Arsenal waited until late in the summer window before submitting their official offer as Wenger looked at available alternatives.

Perez decided to join Arsenal as he wanted to play Champions League football, despite Spanish giants Villarreal and Sevilla making the first move on the striker.

It is said Everton matched the players reported £16.7 million release clause, but the Toffees failed to land their transfer target.